Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has denied reports his captain Mikel Arteta has signed a new contract with the club.

Speaking on Thursday 29 January, Arteta's agent Iñaki Ibañez revealed the Spanish midfielder had signed a one-year contract extension at the Emirates Stadium, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

Wenger also hinted he is ready to hand new signing Gabriel Paulista his Arsenal debut against Aston Villa on Sunday 1 February.

"Gabriel is ready to play," Wenger said. "I saw great quality. His level of concentration, he is quick has great commitment and he is young. We are in a job where competition exists. The best player of the moment plays."

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Danny Welbeck also remain injury absentees but the former Manchester United forward remains on course to make his return against Tottenham Hotspur on 7 February.

"[Welbeck] is still out. He could be available Sunday but he's definitely available next week," Wenger continued. "[Oxlade-Chamberlain] could be out longer. He may be a bit short for the Tottenham game."

Wenger also had positive news on Jack Wilshere, who has not played since November after undergoing ankle surgery.

He said: "Jack is doing very well. He is a week ahead of schedule and should return in 10 days."